With This Ship I Thee Wed

Getting married is a life changing event. So why not make a spectacular splash into wedded bliss with a cruise? A cruise can be a unique and romantic way to make your wedding special. What's great about getting married aboard a cruise ship is that they have their own wedding coordinators who will do all the planning for you.

One concern couples have is that if they got married on a cruise ship, a lot of their family and friends would not be able to attend. One solution is to get married onboard the ship while it is docked at port. Some cruise ships will allow the bride and groom and their wedding guests to board early before the ship is set to sail. This gives family and friends the chance to watch the wedding and attend a reception. Then, when the festivities are over, guests can leave and the newly wedded couple remains aboard for their honeymoon.

If you dream about getting married on a tropical beach or near a waterfall or any other exotic locale, cruises provide you with the best opportunity to do that. The ship's wedding coordinators know all the ins and outs to planning destination weddings. They can find a gazebo with scenic views where you can recite your marriage vows or they may know of a quaint little chapel nestled among the palm trees on a private island. The great thing about a destination wedding is that not only can you get your dream wedding, but you also have a romantic setting aboard the ship for your honeymoon.

Just like on land, the wedding coordinator aboard the cruise ship can handle all your wedding needs like flowers, food, licenses and music. You can go with something simple and choose a basic wedding package or get fancy and add on special services like a photographer and live entertainment. And since cruise ship kitchens are huge due to the number of people it services, you can basically name anything you want in regards to the reception. Wine and hors d'oeuvres are, of course, going to be easier on the budget that a formal sit-down affair.

When you book your cruise for two, be sure to ask what wedding services are included in the price and what is extra. Your cruise fares usually will include lodging, food and entertainment. For wedding packages, they may even throw in champagne and a romantic breakfast in bed. Also inquire about seating during dinner time. On cruise ships, dining is usually a group affair, so there is limited availability for tables of two.

Just remember that any of the wedding stuff is extra, like the planning services of the wedding coordinator. However, by combining your wedding and honeymoon together with a cruise, you actually will save some money in the long run.

Wedding cruises are not just for newlyweds. A cruise is the perfect backdrop in which to renew your vows or celebrate anniversaries. In addition, if you are preparing for a second marriage and don't want to go through an elaborate wedding, a wedding cruise allows you to have a beautiful and memorable time without all of the fuss.